H&R Block in Talks to Settle HSBC Suit

H&R Block Inc. said it is in talks to settle litigation with the U.S. arm of HSBC Holdings PLC, its refund-anticipation loan provider.

Block gave no details of the talks, which it called confidential, and it said there is no assurance an agreement will be reached. Meanwhile, it said, it is continuing to "prepare to vigorously pursue its claims" at a hearing scheduled Monday.

The tax preparer said last month it had sued HSBC in an effort to force the bank to supply its popular instant refund-anticipation loans and checks during the coming tax season.